May Day was spectacular for the South Sudanese Congregation of Mabaan people at Epworth UMC in Des Moines. They held their first baptismal service with members from Storm Lake, Omaha and Texas along with Bishop Julius Trimble, Central District General Superintendent Dave Weesner, Field Outreach Minister, Karen Nelson along with representatives from Altoona and Grimes UM Churches and other Central District friends.
Many of the congregation was garbed in colorful African dress and after the singing of lively hymns sung in Mabaan by the church choir the baptismal service began. One by one, eighteen persons knelt at the altar, were named and sprinkled by Bishop Trimble. Several babies were gently held by Trimble as they received baptism. Each baptized person received a lighted candle and their baptismal certificate.
Rev. Aaron Limmo and other church leaders presented hand made gifts to Central District leaders, Grimes and Altoona pastors and individuals who had assisted their congregation as they begin their church services and activities in Des Moines..
Following the jumpin’ and jivin’ service guests enjoyed delicious typical Mabaan food including whole fish, lamb, injera (a sour-dough risen flatbread) which they learned to eat with their fingers, in the traditional African manner.
Join the South Sudanese Congregation in worship at Epworth United Methodist Church, 412 E. Euclid, Des Moines on Sundays at 12:30 PM. You are encouraged to invite them to share in word and song at your church! Let’s pray for and support these Africans in our midst!
